New Suzuki Celerio

I have quite… mixed memories of the Suzuki Celerio. I tested it back in early 2019 – and I was not too impressed. That has since changed.

Early Monday morning, I was invited to the launch of the new Celerio. I went there with uncertainty yet an open mind, because well, it’s not much of a bad car. The Celerio is set to rival the Kia Picanto, Hyundai Grand i10 and the Toyota Agya, cars that have captured many budget buyers over the years. I took it for a drive in Johannesburg traffic and it has improved incredibly from the outgoing model. It feels more stable, a bit quieter and is able to carry itself well both on highway and city driving. Even with miniscule power outputs of 49kW/89Nm, the Celerio exceled on launch day. its grown both internally and externally, and I think Suzuki has another hit on their hands.

In the interior, you are met by a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready and its functionality is phenomenal, it is easy to use and that is what most buyers are looking for in this segment. the centre console also controls the windows, door locks and air conditioning, making sure that everything is within the drivers reach.  also features a host of smart vehicle notifications, alerts and information, such as instantaneous and average fuel consumption, fuel range and information from its integrated rear parking sensors. Power steering is also standard across the range.

Suzuki claims that this new Celerio will have a consumption of 4.2 litres per 100 km (in the AMT version). This makes the Suzuki Celerio South Africa’s most fuel-efficient five-door petrol hatchback, thanks to Suzuki’s DualJet technology, which offers multi-point fuel injection from two injectors per cylinder, that allowed Suzuki engineers to offer more efficient combustion and a higher compression ratio. With these ever-increasing fuel prices, I think this will also appeal to many people.

In terms of safety, The 2022 Suzuki Celerio is equipped with an electronic stability programme (ESP) as standard, a first in this segment, and it has two airbags across the range.

The pricing is as follows:

1.0 GA MT: R174,900

1.0 GL MT: R194.900

1.0 GL AMT: R209,900.

The Suzuki Celerio range will be sold with Suzuki’s 5 year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty and a Roadside Assistance programme for the same period. A 6-year / unlimited anti-corrosion warranty is also included as standard.

GL models also receive a 2- year / 30 000 km service plan as standard.